About
Azithromycin
Azithromycin (Sold in the US as Zithromax) is an azalide, a subclass of macrolide antibiotics. Azithromycin (brand names Zithromax in Italy, The United Kingdom, The United States, Australia, Portugal and Belgium; ATM in India, Zithromac in Japan, Vinzam / Zitromax in Spain; Zmax; Sumamed in Croatia; Aztrin, Zitrocin, Azibiot, Azifine, AziCip, Azi Sandoz) is one of the world’s best-selling antibiotics, and is derived from erythromycin; however, it differs chemically from erythromycin in that a methyl-substituted nitrogen atom is incorporated into the lactone ring, thus making the lactone ring 15-membered. Azithromycin is used to treat certain bacterial infections, most often those causing middle ear infections, tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and sinusitis. It is also effective against certain sexually transmitted infectious diseases, such as non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis. Recent studies have also indicated it to be effective against late-onset asthma, but these findings are controversial and not widely accepted yet.
Storage
Tablets should be stored at room temperature between 15-30°C (59-86°F). Suspension and solution for injection should be kept between 5-30°C (41-86°F).
Prescribed For
Azithromycin is effective against susceptible bacteria causing otitis media (infection of the middle ear), tonsillitis, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and sinusitis. It also is effective against several sexually transmitted infectious diseases such as nongonococcal urethritis and cervicitis.
Dosing
Azithromycin (except Zmax) can be taken with or without food, but food reduces stomach upset. Zmax should be taken on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal since food reduces its absorption. The adult azithromycin dose is 500-2000 mg in multiple or single doses. For most infections, azithromycin is taken once daily for a relatively short course of treatment (usually five days). The first dose is often a “double dose,” twice as much as the remainder of the doses given. For acute bacterial sinusitis, azithromycin way be taken once daily for three days. Zmax usually is given as a single 2 gm dose.
Drug Interactions
Azithromycin (except Zmax) should not be taken at the same time as aluminum- or magnesium- based antacids, such as Mylanta or Maalox because antacids will bind the azithromycin and prevent it from being absorbed from the intestine.
Pregnancy Information
There are no adequate studies of azithromycin in pregnant women. Azithromycin should only be used during pregnancy if it is clearly necessary.
Nursing Mothers
It is not known if azithromycin is secreted in breast milk.
Side Effects
Azithromycin is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects are diarrhea or loose stools, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting which may occur in fewer than one in twenty persons who receive azithromycin. Rare side effects include abnormal liver tests, allergic reactions, and nervousness.
